Canada Place is celebrating its 40th anniversary, marking four decades as a key landmark on Vancouver’s waterfront since Expo 86. The site has evolved into a major public gathering space and home to the Port of Vancouver’s cruise terminal, which has welcomed over 30 million passengers. Anniversary celebrations include a public social media campaign and community engagement activities. Known for its iconic sails and daily Heritage Horns, Canada Place remains central to events like Canada Day. The milestone highlights its continued role in tourism, culture and the region’s maritime economy.

Hullo Ferries is launching a revamped fare system starting June 2026, including a new low-cost “Comfort-Connect” option priced at $19.99 for select weekday sailings. While this introduces cheaper tickets for commuters, standard fares will see modest increases, and new flexible options will be added. The company is also consolidating premium offerings and introducing demand-based pricing. Additional fees for bikes and oversized luggage will be reduced. The changes aim to improve competitiveness and operational efficiency amid rising costs and market pressures.

Halifax has welcomed its first cruise ship of the 2026 season, with 189 calls from 28 cruise lines expected through November. The Port of Halifax anticipates around 363,000 visitors, supported by new itineraries and expanded market reach. Highlights include Bermuda routes and a visit from the Queen Mary 2. The cruise sector continues to be a key contributor to Nova Scotia’s economy, generating close to $200 million annually and supporting about 1,000 jobs. Officials expect another strong season following record activity in 2025.

The federal government has launched construction of the Contrecœur Container Terminal, a major expansion that will increase the Port of Montréal’s capacity by about 60%. The project, backed by $1.16 billion in financing, will add modern container, rail and road infrastructure to strengthen a key trade corridor. It is expected to support thousands of jobs during construction and boost long-term economic activity. The initiative is part of a broader push to enhance supply chain resilience and expand Canada’s trade infrastructure.

The federal government has committed $412.9 million to renew the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative for another five years, supporting habitat restoration, hatcheries, research and enforcement. Announced in North Vancouver, the funding builds on earlier investments and forms part of the broader $3.8 billion nature strategy. Officials say the program is critical as many salmon stocks remain in decline, though early signs of recovery are emerging. Indigenous groups and conservation organizations welcomed the long-term support, emphasizing the cultural and ecological importance of salmon. The funding aims to strengthen partnerships and sustain recovery efforts across BC

The Government of Canada has awarded a $9.6 million design contract to Kongsberg Vanguard LP for new mid-shore multi-mission vessels under the National Shipbuilding Strategy. The vessels will replace ageing science ships and support a range of operations, including search and rescue, environmental response and maritime security. Construction procurement is expected to begin later in 2026, with up to six vessels planned. The program aims to modernize the Coast Guard fleet while supporting domestic industry and job creation.

British Columbia is strengthening its seafood sector through the expansion of The Dock+ food hub in Port Alberni, supported by over $4 million in funding. The facility enhances processing capacity, introduces advanced technologies, and supports small businesses and innovation. Collaboration with First Nations and industry partners is driving regional economic growth and job creation. The hub also improves market access and export potential amid rising global demand for BC seafood. The initiative reinforces the province’s focus on sustainable development and a growing ocean economy.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada is expanding its hatchery marking program in southern BC to better distinguish chinook salmon from wild stocks. The initiative, which removes a small fin without harming the fish, aims to improve fishery management and support conservation of vulnerable wild populations. Currently about 40% of hatchery chinook are marked, with a target of 90% by 2027 and full coverage in the future. The program enables more selective fishing and helps protect genetic diversity. It is supported by funding under the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative, as concerns grow over declining salmon populations.

Efforts to automate terminals at major US West Coast ports are facing increasing resistance, particularly from labour unions and port authorities in Southern California. Despite contractual rights allowing automation, projects are struggling to gain approvals without union backing. This could limit capacity expansion and increase the risk of congestion at key gateways like Los Angeles and Long Beach. While automation has shown efficiency gains, political and labour pressures are slowing progress. The issue is expected to remain a major point of contention in future labour negotiations.

Wheat futures have reached their highest levels this crop year, driven by reduced US planting and concerns over drought in key growing regions. The latest USDA report shows total wheat acreage at its lowest level on record, with declines across winter, spring and durum crops. Dry conditions and extreme weather in the southern Plains are adding further pressure on yields. While global supply remains relatively stable, higher fertilizer costs linked to geopolitical tensions could impact future production. Markets remain sensitive to weather developments and planting trends in the weeks ahead.

A new concept of modular floating infrastructure is being promoted as a sustainable alternative to traditional port terminals. Designed to adapt to ocean conditions, these platforms can be deployed, repositioned and scaled without seabed impact, using dynamic positioning systems. They aim to reduce dredging needs, improve water quality, and support marine ecosystems through integrated filtration features. Powered by renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and wave, the platforms could also contribute to port electrification and zero-emission shipping. Pilot projects are now being explored to test their real-world feasibility and performance.

Australia’s maritime regulator has banned the Liberia-flagged bulk carrier BBG Wuzhou for six months after serious breaches of seafarer welfare standards. Inspections revealed unpaid wages for nearly seven months, inadequate food, and a lack of drinking water, leading to the vessel’s detention. Authorities emphasized a zero-tolerance approach to violations of the Maritime Labour Convention. The case highlights growing global enforcement against substandard shipping practices. Officials warned that non-compliance could result in significant financial and operational consequences for shipowners.

The International Maritime Organization has warned that imposing tolls on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz would set a dangerous precedent. The comments follow suggestions from Iran to charge vessels after a recent ceasefire with the United States. The IMO emphasized that under international law, particularly UNCLOS, ships have the right of transit passage through key straits. It stressed that coastal states must not impede or suspend this right. The proposal has raised concerns over potential disruptions to global shipping and trade.

The global shipping order book has reached its highest level in nearly two decades, driven by strong tanker demand and sustained newbuilding activity. BIMCO reports the order book now equals 17% of the existing fleet, with tanker orders surging and LNG carrier demand rebounding. Ageing fleets, particularly in the tanker sector, are accelerating replacement cycles. Shipyard capacity is tightening, with China dominating new orders while Japan’s share declines sharply. Despite the surge, rising costs and geopolitical uncertainty may slow future contracting.

Kawasaki Heavy Industries has delivered the 64,000 DWT bulk carrier MARIDORA, built at Nantong COSCO KHI Ship Engineering in China. The vessel is designed for efficient transport of commodities such as grain and coal, with onboard cranes enabling operations at ports without cargo infrastructure. It incorporates advanced fuel-saving technologies and meets IMO EEDI Phase 3 standards, achieving a 30% reduction in CO₂ emissions. The delivery highlights ongoing efforts to improve efficiency and sustainability in bulk carrier design.